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How to Make Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent with Just 3 Ingredients
Imagine this: every load of laundry you do could save money, protect your family from harsh chemicals, and reduce your environmental footprint—all with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have or can easily find. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. Homemade liquid laundry detergent is a game-changer for anyone looking to embrace sustainable living while keeping their clothes fresh and clean.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making your own liquid detergent using an easy recipe I personally use and love. With only three key ingredients—Aleppo soap, washing soda, and a water softener—you’ll not only reduce plastic waste but also avoid the unnecessary additives found in most store-bought detergents. Ready to start? Let’s dive in and revolutionize your laundry routine! Don’t forget to check out my video tutorial to follow along.
Why Choose Homemade Laundry Detergent?
Switching to homemade liquid laundry detergent isn’t just a trendy DIY—it’s a practical step toward a cleaner, greener lifestyle. From cutting costs to minimizing environmental impact, making your own detergent offers benefits that go far beyond just fresh-smelling clothes. Here’s why you should consider ditching store-bought options and embracing this simple, sustainable alternative.
1. Eco-Friendly Benefits
When you make your own laundry detergent, you significantly reduce your plastic waste. Store-bought detergents often come in bulky plastic jugs, many of which aren’t fully recyclable. By creating your own, you can reuse containers you already have, helping to keep plastic out of landfills and oceans. Plus, homemade detergents avoid harsh chemicals like phosphates and synthetic fragrances that can harm aquatic ecosystems when they’re washed down the drain.
2. Cost Savings
Let’s face it—laundry detergent can be expensive, especially the eco-friendly brands. By making your own, you’ll save a substantial amount over time. With ingredients like Aleppo soap, washing soda, and a water softener, the cost per load becomes a fraction of what you’d pay for commercial products. And since a little goes a long way, one batch of your homemade detergent can last for weeks, even months.
3. Health Benefits
Many commercial detergents contain ingredients like synthetic fragrances, dyes, and surfactants that can irritate sensitive skin. By using a homemade recipe, you can control exactly what goes into your detergent, ensuring it’s free from allergens and unnecessary additives. This makes it an excellent choice for households with babies, young children, or anyone with allergies or skin sensitivities.
4. It’s Customizable
One of the joys of making your own laundry detergent is the ability to customize it to your needs. Prefer a light, natural scent? Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or lemon. Have hard water? The inclusion of Calgon as a water softener ensures your detergent works effectively in all conditions. With DIY detergent, you’re in charge of creating a product that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
By choosing homemade liquid laundry detergent, you’re making a conscious decision that benefits your wallet, your health, and the planet. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something so effective with your own hands is hard to beat. Ready to give it a try? Keep reading for the step-by-step recipe and tips for success!
The Recipe: Simple and Sustainable
Making your own liquid laundry detergent might sound daunting, but it’s actually incredibly simple—and the rewards are worth it! This recipe uses only three key ingredients plus water, making it both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Whether you're new to DIY or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and effective for keeping your clothes clean and fresh.
Ingredients to use in your DIY Liquide Laundry Soap
Soap
When it comes to crafting your own homemade laundry detergent powder, the soap you choose can make or break your cleaning success. Not all soaps are created for laundry, and navigating the options—from shampoo bars to hand soaps—can feel overwhelming. Avoid glycerin-based soaps, as they’re better suited for moisturizing skin than cleaning clothes and may even leave greasy stains behind (bubble enthusiasts know this all too well). Likewise, foamy shampoo bars can create too much lather, potentially disrupting your washing machine’s efficiency. So, what’s the secret to getting it right? Choose a traditional soap that’s been through the process of saponification—the chemical transformation that creates an effective cleanser. My go-to is Aleppo soap, crafted with olive oil for its gentle cleaning properties and laurel oil for a subtle, natural fragrance. If Aleppo soap isn’t available, Castile soap makes an excellent alternative for clean, fresh laundry.
Washing Soda
Washing soda is a superstar ingredient in homemade laundry detergent for good reason. Its powerful alkaline nature effortlessly breaks down stubborn stains and grime, transforming even the dirtiest garments into fresh, spotless treasures. But that’s not all—washing soda also doubles as a natural water softener, neutralizing the effects of hard water and giving your detergent the boost it needs to work its magic even more effectively.
Water softener
I don’t recommend using Borax in this recipe because it’s not a true water softener—it's a detergent booster. While Borax can help get your laundry clean, it’s not the best choice if you live in an area with hard water. In such cases, a proper water softener is essential. Softer water not only protects your washing machine from mineral buildup but also makes your detergents work more effectively, giving you cleaner results with less effort. Where I live, Borax isn’t even sold due to safety concerns, so I use Calgon as a water softener in my homemade laundry detergent, and it works perfectly!
Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe
1 part Aleppo soap
2 parts washing soda
2 parts Calgon (water softener)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grate the Aleppo soap: Start by grating the soap into small flakes using a fine grater. This will help it dissolve more easily in water.
Dissolve the soap: Heat 5 parts of water in a large pot but don’t let it boil. Add the grated Aleppo soap and stir until fully dissolved.
Mix in the washing soda and Calgon: Once the soap is melted, reduce the heat and slowly stir in 2 parts of washing soda and 2 parts of Calgon. Stir continuously to ensure all ingredients dissolve completely.
Cool and transfer: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then pour it into an airtight container or recycled detergent bottle for storage. Shake gently before each use to mix any settling.
How to Use It
For a standard load of laundry, use approximately ½ cup of this liquid detergent. Adjust the amount slightly for heavily soiled clothes or larger loads. This detergent works well in both regular and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.
Why This Recipe Works
This combination of Aleppo soap, washing soda, and Calgon delivers powerful cleaning results without the harsh chemicals found in commercial detergents. Plus, by making your own detergent, you’re cutting down on plastic packaging and reducing your household waste—an easy win for you and the planet!
Tips for Success
Making your own liquid laundry detergent is simple, but there are a few tips to ensure your results are effective and frustration-free. Follow these suggestions to get the most out of your DIY laundry soap:
1. Choose Quality Ingredients
The effectiveness of your detergent starts with the ingredients you use. Opt for high-quality Aleppo soap, which is known for its gentle cleansing properties and eco-friendliness. Ensure the washing soda is fresh and not clumped, as this ensures it dissolves well. When it comes to Calgon or any water softener, check that it's suitable for your local water hardness—this can make or break your detergent's performance.
2. Measure Accurately
While this recipe is forgiving, sticking to the 1:2:2:5 ratio (Aleppo soap, washing soda, Calgon, water) ensures your detergent cleans effectively without being too harsh on your clothes. Use measuring cups or a kitchen scale for precision.
3. Dissolve Ingredients Properly
To prevent clumps or separation in your finished detergent, ensure the washing soda and Calgon are fully dissolved in warm water before adding the Aleppo soap. Pro tip: Grate or finely chop the soap to help it melt faster in water.
4. Store It Right
Pour your detergent into an airtight container, such as a repurposed glass jar or an old detergent bottle. This not only keeps it fresh but also prevents accidental spills. Shake the container before each use, as natural detergents can sometimes separate over time.
5. Customize to Your Needs
Want a light fragrance? Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or lemon after mixing the detergent. Be cautious and use only skin-safe, high-quality oils. For those with sensitive skin, you can skip fragrances altogether for a hypoallergenic option.
6. Start with a Small Batch
If this is your first time making homemade detergent, begin with a small batch to test how it works with your washing machine and water quality. This will allow you to adjust the ingredients if needed.
7. Test for Effectiveness
After your first wash, check for cleanliness and any residue on clothes. If you notice leftover soap or grime, you may need to tweak the amount of detergent or water softener used in your mixture. A little trial and error will help you perfect your detergent for your specific needs.
8. Adapt for Different Machines
If you’re using a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, you’ll need less detergent—about 1-2 tablespoons per load should do the trick. For traditional machines, 1/4 cup works well. Always add the detergent directly to the drum for the best results.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll not only avoid common pitfalls but also ensure your homemade liquid detergent works just as well—or even better—than commercial options. Plus, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your laundry routine is more sustainable, healthy, and cost-effective.
Conclusion
Switching to homemade liquid laundry detergent isn’t just about clean clothes—it’s about embracing a cleaner, greener lifestyle. By making your own detergent, you’re taking a small but meaningful step toward reducing waste, cutting costs, and avoiding the harmful chemicals often found in store-bought options. With just a few simple ingredients—Aleppo soap, washing soda, Calgon, and water—you can transform your laundry routine into a more sustainable practice.
The best part? It’s easier than you think! Whether you’re motivated by the cost savings, the health benefits, or the opportunity to reduce your environmental impact, this DIY solution checks all the boxes. Plus, you’ll love the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something effective and eco-friendly with your own hands.
Ready to take the plunge? Follow the step-by-step recipe in this post and watch my video tutorial to see just how simple and rewarding it is to make your own liquid laundry detergent. Have questions or tips of your own? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience!
So why wait? Let’s make laundry day a win for you and the planet. Your clothes, your wallet, and the environment will thank you!
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